Luke Shaw won’t Bale at Southampton like Gareth

Seeing my name linked with those big clubs was crazy. I tried not to pay attention to it because I don’t want it to get into my head

Luke Shaw

The 17-year-old left-back is being dubbed the new Gareth Bale, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal interested.

Shaw, who is set to make his fourth league start against Norwich tonight, said: “Seeing my name linked with those big clubs was crazy. I tried not to pay attention to it because I don’t want it to get into my head.

“When the stories came out I was happy at Southampton and I am still happy. It is great club and I want to be here.

“We give youngsters chances and other clubs don’t have what we have here at Southampton.

“I have been here since I was seven and I have loved every bit of it.

“There have been a few players to come through our academy and go on to success and that is what we aspire to be like.”

Shaw is the latest player to graduate from Saints’ acclaimed academy, following Bale and Arsenal stars Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Saints will offer him a bumper new five-year deal when he turns 18 at the end of the season.